Since 1946

Simple Beginnings

The Buttonwood tradition began in 1946 when Chester and Helen Kempinski opened Buttonwood Bakery in Buttonwood, a small town located in northeastern Pennsylvania. Our goals and values were as simple as the times, to share our traditional ethnic bakery items with others, and to treat our customers like family. With these principles, hard work and a strong desire to keep traditions alive, Chester and Helen successfully grew Buttonwood Bakery and achieved their vision for the family business.

Unchanging in a Rapidly Changing World

In 1986 George Kempinski, Chester and Helen’s son, took over the bakery. Although times had changed since the 1940’s, George was determined to run the business with the same values and business practices that the Kempinski family was known for. The old-world recipes for their signature products, Nut Roll and Poppy Seed Roll, are the same and have stood the testament of time. These delicious pastry products are still packed with the finest ingredients like California grown walnuts and freshly ground (not canned) blue poppy seed. Every item is carefully hand-rolled and comes out of the oven with a homemade taste and texture that even after 60 years has no rival. Each customer, on every order, continues to receive the “like-family” attention that was started by Chester and Helen years ago. And while pricing cannot be as it was in the 1940’s, the Kempinski’s continue to make their incredibly delicious signature products at prices one might say are old-fashioned.

Our Vision for the Future

Throughout the years, our family business and reputation continue to grow. As word spreads about our delicious products we receive more and more customers whether they walk in, telephone or order online. We open our doors during Fat Tuesday, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas and we ship our rolls (Nut, Poppy, Cheese, Apricot and Prune) countrywide, all year long. With our updated and newly launched online store, you can order them any time you like. Whether it’s to satisfy a craving, a holiday order, special occasion, a thank you or an expression of love, think Kempinski’s Buttonwood Bakery, we’re here for you.